Kaikoura
By Bachchat staff
Phto: Marc Veraart
- Posted:
- 25-May-2011
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- Categories:
- Canterbury
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- 1108
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Make sure to book a place to stay for the night in this amazing town- there’s a huge array of things to keep everyone interested and entertained here.
Kaikoura is renowned for its marine wildlife. The diverse landscape of Kaikoura is home to whales, dolphins, seals, an amazing array of fish and birdlife. View them from the air, by boat, from land or truly get out of your comfort zone by swimming with seals and dolphins. Nutrient rich currents supply food to this fabulous marine ecosystem, made all the more special by the stunning backdrop of the Seaward Kaikoura ranges.
From whale-watching tours to swimming with dolphins, albatross watching, snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking, and rides in glass-bottomed boats, the town offers a marine-based activity for everyone.
For landlubbers there’s the local arts and crafts trail, the Maori Leap Caves, wine tasting, the District Museum, horse trekking or golf.
The Kaikoura Peninsula walkway is a stunning route providing easy access for exploring the Peninsula and offers some of the best views of the coast and the mountains. The walkway is maintained and managed by a joint community project involving Whale Watch Kaikoura, Te Runanga o Kaikoura, Kaikoura District Council and the Department of Conservation.
The track was upgraded last year and now features an impressive collection of information panels located along the track enabling you to journey into the fascinating history of the people and learn about the geology, the animals and the plants that combine to make the area so special. The walk is ideal for families.
A new 400m boardwalk beginning at the new South Bay entrance provides accessibility to a broad range of users. The other main access is at the Point Kean car park. To fully explore and enjoy all that the walk has to offer, allow at least 3 hours to complete the whole track which extends to 11 _ km. If you are short of time, there are several access points to the track which provide many options for shorter walks.
Where to stay
What to do
- Go whale watching
- Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
- Swim with dolpins
- Check out Fyffe House, built in the 1850s
- Eat some fresh crayfish
More info
Getting there
- From Christchurch by road: 183km
- From Nelson by road: 245km
